House committee approves civil unions

Tuesday

May 26, 2009 at 12:01 AMMay 26, 2009 at 5:18 PM

For the second time this year, an Illinois House committee has advanced a proposal that would legalize civil unions, including those for same-sex couples. But it isn't clear whether the measure has enough support to pass in the full House of Representatives before the General Assembly wraps up its spring session.

Adriana Colindres

For the second time this year, an Illinois House committee has advanced a proposal that would legalize civil unions, including those for same-sex couples.

But it isn't clear whether the measure has enough support to pass in the full House of Representatives before the General Assembly wraps up its spring session. Adjournment is scheduled for Sunday.

The bill's sponsor, Democratic Rep. Greg Harris of Chicago, said he is still counting votes in the House to determine whether the bill can pass. Sixty votes would be needed for passage.

His legislation would recognize civil unions between same-sex or opposite-sex couples. If enacted into law, the measure would entitle each partner in a civil union to the same legal protections and obligations that are available to married people. They would include, for example, the ability to make decisions about medical care on a partner's behalf.

Those rights are long overdue, said Harris, who added that several other states recently have passed laws to grant legal recognition of same-sex relationships.

"Some people might say, well, this is a West Coast phenomenon or this is an East Coast phenomenon. No, this is an American phenomenon," said Harris, who is openly gay.

The Rev. Bob Vanden Bosch, executive director of Concerned Christian Americans, spoke against the proposal when it came up before the House Youth and Family Committee.

"Don't make any mistake about it. The civil unions in this bill are going to basically lead to same-sex marriage," he said.

The committee voted 4-2 for the legislation, an amended version of Senate Bill 1716. The same panel approved an identical version of the bill in March, but it never was called for a House floor vote.

To become law, the proposal would have to pass in the House and Senate and get signed by the governor.

Adriana Colindres can be reached at (217) 782-6292 or adriana.colindres@sj-r.com.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.